【中英翻译】英汉姓名的文化内涵及其翻译

英汉姓名的文化内涵及其翻译Abstract As carriers of cultures, Chinese and English names are full of cultural connotations, and result in cultural gap between English and Chinese. Personal names are not only symbols that distinguish one person from others, but also social symbols. It is “a mirror of culture”. Through comparative study on a nations history, religion, concepts of moral and value, we can see different cultural connotations between English and Chinese names. And then suggest some translation principles and methods. There are some similarities between English and Chinese names, such as totemism, consciousness of rootseeking, specializing points. In Chinese names, we can find the culture of religious concepts, Confucianworship, hierarchy. And the religion, personalorientation, individualism can also be found in English names. In the translation of Chinese and English names, translators should follow the pronunciation of the owners language and adopt the established popular translated names, use transliteration and paraphrase so as to reflect the real meaning of English and Chinese names.Key Words English names and Chinese names; cultural connotation; translation principle; translation method摘 要 姓名，作为一种文化载体，蕴涵着极其丰富的文化内涵，英汉姓名因而存在着巨大的文化差异。姓名不仅仅是一种简单的区别于他人的符号，它同时也代表一种社会文化现象，被喻为“文化的镜像”。通过对英汉姓名的历史渊源，宗教信仰，价值观念等的对比研究，揭示出英汉姓名的深层文化内涵及社会文化因素的影响，进而对这种富载文化内涵的姓名的翻译提出翻译原则和翻译翻译方法。英汉文化的共性，如图腾崇拜，寻根意识，特指性，心理暗示等使英汉不同姓名的系统中出现一些类同的现象 。英汉文化内涵的差异，如中国的宗教观念，崇儒思想，等级制度等文化因素都可以从中国人的姓名中反映出来。而英语民族的宗教信仰，个人取向，强调个性也在英语姓名中有所反映。由于英汉姓名的文化差异，在翻译英汉姓名时应遵循“名从主人原则”和“约定俗成原则”，采取音译法和释义法，或者两者相结合，使人名的真实内涵得到体现。关键词 英汉姓名；文化内涵；翻译原则；翻译方法IntroductionNames are used by human beings and they are the signs for people to distinguish one person from the others. They have some particular functions that no other signs can perform. They are not only linguistic symbols, but also social symbols, representing relationship in societies and cultures. “Each person has his name which distinguishes himself from other members in the community, and each country has its own name system owing to their different historical and cultural background”. P In a word, personal names are windows for people to see through different cultures in different societies. For these reasons, the translation of Chinese and English names should follow the pronunciation of the owners country and adopt the established popular translated names, use transliteration and paraphrase so as to reflect the real meaning of Chinese and English names.Relation between personal name and culturePersonal names are the products of the historical development of human society. They reflect the ancient civilization and splendid cultures from different respects. The choice of name tells something about human society and reflects the social culture. Therefore, the development of personal names cannot be isolated from the social culture background. Names are the inseparable part of culture and the inevitable outcome of cultural evolution. Like other linguistic phenomena they play the role of carrier and propagator of cultures.Culture influences every aspect of human social life and influences peoples behavior. Personal names are the outcome of peoples behavior, so the influence of culture can be seen from the changing of personal names. For example, “in ancient China, “龟” （gui, tortoise）was often used as personal name which had good connotation of longevity. However, after Ming Dynasty, the connotation of the character changed, which indicates a man whose wife is not loyal to him. Then few people use “龟” as personal names”. P In addition, personal names are restricted by culture, for instance, Chinese people are greatly influenced by Confucianism, so obvious proprieties can be seen in Chinese names. “English people believe Christian and religious sense can be found in their names”. P On the other hand, as a kind of social reality, personal names exert its influence and action on societies and cultures. For example, the taboo on using the personal names of emperors was formed under the influence of feudal hierardy culture. Once it had been formed it began to restrict every aspect of peoples life. In short, personal names and culture influence restrict each other and act on each other. From personal names, people can see the cultural similarity and difference in different society. Comparative study between the two name systemsEvery nation has its own history, during which it has shaped its own particular characteristics. As a special social and linguistic phenomenon, names relate to cultures extensively and profoundly. When we learn a foreign language and try to make effective communication, we must understand its culture and need to know about names and naming, just as when we study a language we need to know its vocabulary and its grammar. In this section, we are going to make a comparative study on these aspects between Chinese and English name systems. Simi